Principal - Shelly Stepp
I became the principal of Sacred Heart School in August 2018. I have been teaching at Sacred Heart in Loretto since August 2010. I have taught 5th and 6th grades, in addition to 7th and 8th grade Math, Science, and Religion. In addition to working as Principal, I currently teach 8th Grade Pre-Algebra/Algebra I and 5th Grade Math and am the Cross-Country coach. I graduated from the University of Alabama in Huntsville (UAH) in 2002 and am certified K-6 Elementary Education and K-12 Special Education. I am currently pursuing a Master's degree in Educational Leadership through Creighton University.  I have two very active daughters that keep me busy and make me proud every day. Outside of school and family, my passion is cycling, running, and swimming.


Secretary - Coral Potts
I have been working in the school office at Sacred Heart School since 2013.  I am married to David Potts and we have 3 children, Taylor, David Chance, & Micah.  We also have a granddaughter, Kylie.  We moved here in 2007 & two of our children have attended Sacred Heart School since Pre-K.  I enjoy & am blessed to be able to not only work at Sacred Heart, but to be with my children & yours throughout the day.  I had worked for the State of Tennessee as a Field Supervisor of the Lawrence County Department of Human Services for over 16 years before leaving to be with my children where my husband & I felt I would be best suited.  I have a Bachelor of Science in Sociology & Religion from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. 


Pre-Kindergarten Teacher - Staci Barnett
I am the Pre-K Teacher, and have always lived in Loretto. I received my Bachelor's Degree in Education for Pre-K through 6th Grade from Middle Tennessee State University. I have been the Pre-K teacher since 2007 when our Pre-K began. I enjoy teaching my little ones because I love seeing their expressions as they learn new things and experience school for the first time! I am married to Blake Barnett. We have a daughter named Caitlyn. We attend Antioch United Methodist Church. In my spare time {what little I have :-) } I like to read and go on short trips with my family. 


Pre-K Assistant - Sherri Forsythe
I have been the pre-K teacher at Sacred Heart School for 4 years. I am married to Wayne, We have been married for almost 19 years.  My oldest daughter Grace attended Sacred Heart from Pre-K -8th grade. She has graduated from Loretto High School.  My youngest daughter, Cara, also attended Sacred Heart. In my free time I enjoy reading, traveling, spending time with my family, and being in the sun!


Kindergarten Teacher - Sue Vess
I am the Kindergarten teacher.  My family and I moved to this area in 2001 and immediately felt right at home and became very active at both Sacred Heart Church and School.  I have three children, of which two attended Sacred Heart School, and eight grandchildren.   In 2008 I was excited to be the Pre-K Paraprofessional and by 2016 was blessed to become the Kindergarten Teacher.  I love the role of introducing Jesus to children through "STREAM" and setting a foundation for a lifetime love of learning.  I am honored to have the privilege to be a part of the Sacred Heart family.


1st/2nd Grade Teacher - Abby Brown
I am the 1st & 2nd grade teacher and Sacred Heart School is where I'm beginning my teaching journey! I've been married to my husband, Johnathan, since 2013. We have three children, Elishah, Gabriel, and Blair. I attended Columbia State Community College and Western Governor's University to obtain my Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, Kindergarten through 5th grade. 



3rd/4th Grade Teacher - Mary Cox
My name is Mary H. Cox and I teach 3rd and 4th grade.  I recently retired after teaching at Ethridge Elementary School for 30 years. I have a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Athens State (University) and a Master's Degree in  Administration and Supervision from Tennessee State University. My grandson, Christian, and I live in Loretto, TN.  We are members of Saint Joseph Catholic Church where I serve as a lector and Christian serves as an altar server.

5th/6th Grade Teacher - Lawren Gabel
I am the 5th and 6th grade teacher, and 7th grade math teacher. I graduated from the University of North Alabama in December of 2007, and started my teaching career at Sacred Heart in August of 2008, and worked as the 1st and 2nd grade teacher for 8 years. I’ve also worked as Sacred Heart’s RTI coordinator/teacher for the last 2 years. I’m a graduate of Sacred Heart School and a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Church. My family and I stay busy with school and sports, but when it’s warm, you can find us on the river or at the beach!


7th/8th Grade Teacher - Danielle Busby
I teach the seventh and eighth grades at Sacred Heart. I have a degree in Elementary Education from Athens State University with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I am a lifelong member of Sacred Heart Loretto and graduated from Sacred Heart School in 1993. I am married to Jeremy Busby and we have four children: Emma, Addie, Easton, and Andrew. I am also a Gemma to my sweet grandson FInley. I enjoy spending time with my family, watching sporting events, and traveling to the beach as often as possible.


Cafeteria Manager - Brenda Burks
My husband is Shayne Burks, I have 2 Daughters Monica and Morgan and 2 grandaughters Madelyn and Scarlett. I enjoy cooking for my family at home as well as for our school family at Sacred Heart.


Cafeteria Assistant - Ashley Beckman
My husband, Cory Beckman, and I have two children, Drake & Cohen. Cory attended Sacred Heart School through his 8th grade year and we want to continue this tradition with our sons. I enjoy cooking, traveling, running, and spending time with my family.